Lauren Masellas: It's time to license 'Bowzer' and check his rabies booster

Thursday

Oct 28, 2010 at 3:15 AM

By Guest Columnist Lauren Masellas

License your dog!

Yes, yes, I know — it's one more annoying chore in your already overwhelmed world! And, no doubt, you have a gazillion perfectly logical reasons for why you shouldn't have to do it . . . but it is the law.

Maine Animal Welfare Law 7, 3921, states, "A dog may not be kept within the limits of the State, unless the dog has been licensed by its owner or keeper in accordance with the laws of this State."

And 7, 3922, states, "The owner or keeper of a dog at the age of 6 months or more, on or before January 1st of each year, shall obtain a license: A. from the clerk of the municipality where the dog is kept . . . 2 . . . within 10 days of the conditions of Paragraph A or B being met, shall obtain a license, if between January 1st and October 15th of any year; A. A dog reaches the age of 6 months or more; or B. A person becomes the owner or keeper of a dog aged 6 months or more . . ."

And here are a few perfectly logical reasons why you should do it!

Take Murphy's law, for example. Sooner or later, "Bowzer" is going to take a walk without you. That's right, impossible to believe, I know, seeing as you treat him like royalty and are always meticulously careful to close all the doors behind you. It's going to happen. So when I find "Bowzer" strolling up to the drive-through window at McDonald's with that "have pity, I'm starving" look on his face, despite the extra 15 pounds he's sporting, my heart can swell with joy at the shiny license tag hanging from his designer collar. I think to myself, "Now here is a truly lucky dog! He has one of those exceptional owners. Come on, 'Bowzer,' let's get you home!"

That's right, that little tag has earned "Bowzer" a free ride. It has also saved you from having to take time off from work to make a long miserable drive to the shelter, pay the impound fees, vaccination fees, boarding fees . . . you get the idea. Not to mention that "Bowzer" is now traumatized and is probably going to take it out on you for weeks.

Now, let's suppose "Bowzer" isn't very streetwise. He decides that, since he's royalty and all, he should be able to waltz right across that busy road. Next thing he knows, he's being rushed to the vet. But no need to panic, I'm already on the phone to "mommy," and she is going to meet us there — all because "Bowzer" was wearing his shiny license tag and I was able to get his owners phone number.

So aside from all the important animal welfare programs that the license fees support, getting it done can actually save you a ton of time, money and heartache. And you can license your dog online right now! So no more excuses! Log on to www.sanfordmaine.org, click on the "Town Clerk" icon and license you dog — every year!

Next year's licenses are available anytime after Oct. 31.

P.S. If your "Bowzer" needs his rabies booster, check out the listing of upcoming clinics in the area. It's posted in the town clerks office monthly. You also can go directly to www.drhokkanen.com or www.luvmypet.com and click on "upcoming rabies clinics." At this writing, the rabies shot is only $15 and the license fee for altered dogs is $6. Fair enough price for the peace of mind it will give you!

To find additional information about the importance of licensing your dog and related laws, you may go online to the State of Maine'a Animal Welfare Department at www.maine.gov/agriculture/aw.

Also, consider contacting the Kennebunk Animal Welfare Society in West Kennebunk at www.animalwelfaresociety.org or 985-3244. They have myriad resources including a behavior tips hotline! Of course, the Sanford-Springvale Animal Welfare Team (ssawteamyahoo.com) is always a great resource for additional information, as is your local animal control officer.

Lauren Masellas is Sanford's animal control officer. She can be reached at the Sanford Police Department at 324-3644 or lemasellassanfordmaine.org.

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